Pakistan to send a strong message to Afghan Government over TTP attacks
Shares
In an effort to safeguard Pakistani citizens from cross-border threats, authorities have opted to emphasize the involvement of Afghan nationals in activities such as extortion within the country, according to a senior official on Tuesday. This move aims to bring this issue to the attention of the interim Taliban government in Kabul.
Pakistani officials have previously raised concerns about the involvement of Afghans in terrorism, extortion, and other illicit activities with the neighboring government, urging them to take action.
During a press conference in Peshawar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Counter Terrorism Finance, Imran Shahid, stated that Pakistan has chosen to engage with the Taliban government on this matter. He noted that authorities have apprehended two extortionists who are affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group Pakistan claims to have safe havens in Afghanistan.
Imran Shahid identified the arrested individuals, Zaman Faiz and Saeedullah, as Afghan citizens. They were apprehended in Lahore, and their mobile phones were seized.
These extortionists targeted businesspeople, politicians, and others, with victims often refraining from reporting to local authorities out of fear.
According to Shahid, "The arrested individuals operated in district Mohmand and had 71 other accomplices. This network even reached out to politicians, including a senator and a member of the provincial assembly, to demand extortion money."
The CTD official disclosed that the arrested TTP members had created ten WhatsApp groups related to extortion.
Pakistan has expressed concerns that with the return of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, it has become a "safe haven" for TTP terrorists who continue to target military personnel.
